Theatre festival features ‘terrorism and peace’

JORHAT - A two-day drama festival was held at theater hall here recently, highlighting various issues of public interest. The one that drew maximum attention was based on the theme of “terrorism and peace”.

The event was organized by Asom Jatiyabada Yuba Parishad (AJYP) in memory of Late Manash Pradin Borah, former Secretary of the Parishad, Jorhat Unit.

At least 10 groups from different parts of upper Assam like-Margherita, Sivasagar, Duliajan, Bokakhat, Tinsukia, Moran and others-vyed with each other during the event.

Majority of the plays tried to highlight how youngsters were drawn to enjoy temporary pleasures and easy money by taking to habits of abduction, hooliganism, robbery and terrorism.

“My main moto was to popularise drama, as it is now not a popular media among the youth. So I appeal to the youth, please make this culture proud. Terrorism is the main problem of the North East and all over India. I appeal to that type of people that this not the way to protest something about or appeal something. Please make our country, our State peaceful,” said Parnam Bikas Baruah, a young artiste.

“We are actors, we are cultural people so I always demand that we should always live peacefully. And, terrorism is not a solution [for anything],” Baru added.

Though most of the participarting youngsters were inexperienced in acting and choreography, they managed to captivate the attention of Jorhat residents.

Their performance appealed to the viewers.

The participating groups sought to spread message of peace among all with an appeal to end violence in the North East.

“We are getting a good response to this drama competition…….I believe after including the district administration, a peaceful meeting should be organised to find out how terrorist problem could be solved in Assam.

An effort should be made to know and understand each other’s demands to reach a solution. After taking the public support, a solution must be reached,” said Palash Dev Baruah, General Secretary of the Asom Jatiyabada Yuba Parishad, Jorhat Unit.

The artistes also drew the attention of the people to the destruction caused by terrorism in the country.

“To unite and face any eventuality regardless of region, community, class and caste, we have to build a strong nation and to live in a very peaceful environment is the focus of the plays,” said one of the artistes.

Militant groups have been indulging in extortion in different states of Northeast.

They are even killing innocent people.

Today, nobody wants to visit crowded or deserted areas even during the day. People remain indoors after sunset.

The message of the festival was that people should work for establishing permanent peace in the North-east region. By Vaschipem Kamodang (ANI)